Katharine Reeve

I purchased this for my wife after we decided to take a trip to Bath in order to explore the town which played such a major role in Jane Austen’s life. I ended up reading the book for myself as well, though, and I’m glad I did. In it, Katherine Reeve charts out a series of walking tours that help readers understand the city and its influence on the famous author. This is what I expected; what proved a pleasant surprise was how well they provide readers with a sense of the city itself. This Reeve does with four tours that are each manageable in a few hours and which incorporate both the highlights of the Georgian-era town as well as some less-well-known spots. She then interweaves into these descriptions a short biography of Austen during her years in the city, one that shows its impact upon her as well as her famous novels. It all makes for a book that is a must-read for Austen aficionados as well as anyone interested in getting to know this charming city at the peak of its glory.… (more)